BleedGopher
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per Hess:
Minnesota & Wisconsin: Paul Bunyan’s Axe
Wisconsin leads the series 60-59-8
Whenever these two teams meet, there’s a different sort of energy flying around. However, the trophy wasn’t always Paul Bunyan’s Axe. It was a slab of bacon. Yes, the beautiful creation that you can put on anything and it will taste amazing. The bacon existed from 1930 to 1943 with either an “M” or “W” in the center based on who won. The trophy was lost after the 1943 meeting and the axe came into play after World War II. In the early stages of this rivalry, Minnesota simply dominated it. However, the tide started to turn in the mid-1980’s. Since 1984, Minnesota has only defeated Wisconsin 10 times. That’s not exactly aesthetically pleasing if you’re a Golden Gopher fan.
In the past 14 meetings, only four games have been tightly contested. None bigger or crazier than the 2005 meeting at the Minneapolis Metrodome. Up 34-31 with 38 seconds left, all Minnesota punter Justin Kucek had to do was get the punt away and stop a few Wisconsin prayer attempts in order to either tie or win the game. However, Kucek fumbled the snap and the punt attempt was blocked. The ball went towards the back of the end zone and it was close to touching the end-line. Ben Strickland fell on the loose ball for the touchdown giving Wisconsin an improbable 37-34 lead with 30 seconds left. It was safe to say that the Metrodome was silent after that play other than the small amount of Badger fans in attendance screaming like lunatics. Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney carried the ball 43 times for 258 yards in the game but it wasn’t enough.
Minnesota is currently on a 14-year losing streak against the Badgers and Wisconsin is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. How much longer will it take until Minnesota finally gets the axe back to Minneapolis?
The past few meetings have been as going as expected due to the large talent gap between the two teams. Wisconsin has remained a powerful team and Minnesota is still trying to find their identity and search for new talent after a number of coaching changes. It will definitely take time for Minnesota to have a chance in this game but do not be surprised if the Gophers pull an upset soon. PJ Fleck has been an underdog his entire life and he embraces that role. He’s the same guy that led Western Michigan to the Cotton Bowl during the 2016-2017 season and almost upset Wisconsin at Jerry World.
https://coed.com/2018/06/28/paul-bunyan-day-celebrating-paul-bunyan-in-college-football/
Go Gophers!!
Minnesota & Wisconsin: Paul Bunyan’s Axe
Wisconsin leads the series 60-59-8
Whenever these two teams meet, there’s a different sort of energy flying around. However, the trophy wasn’t always Paul Bunyan’s Axe. It was a slab of bacon. Yes, the beautiful creation that you can put on anything and it will taste amazing. The bacon existed from 1930 to 1943 with either an “M” or “W” in the center based on who won. The trophy was lost after the 1943 meeting and the axe came into play after World War II. In the early stages of this rivalry, Minnesota simply dominated it. However, the tide started to turn in the mid-1980’s. Since 1984, Minnesota has only defeated Wisconsin 10 times. That’s not exactly aesthetically pleasing if you’re a Golden Gopher fan.
In the past 14 meetings, only four games have been tightly contested. None bigger or crazier than the 2005 meeting at the Minneapolis Metrodome. Up 34-31 with 38 seconds left, all Minnesota punter Justin Kucek had to do was get the punt away and stop a few Wisconsin prayer attempts in order to either tie or win the game. However, Kucek fumbled the snap and the punt attempt was blocked. The ball went towards the back of the end zone and it was close to touching the end-line. Ben Strickland fell on the loose ball for the touchdown giving Wisconsin an improbable 37-34 lead with 30 seconds left. It was safe to say that the Metrodome was silent after that play other than the small amount of Badger fans in attendance screaming like lunatics. Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney carried the ball 43 times for 258 yards in the game but it wasn’t enough.
Minnesota is currently on a 14-year losing streak against the Badgers and Wisconsin is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. How much longer will it take until Minnesota finally gets the axe back to Minneapolis?
The past few meetings have been as going as expected due to the large talent gap between the two teams. Wisconsin has remained a powerful team and Minnesota is still trying to find their identity and search for new talent after a number of coaching changes. It will definitely take time for Minnesota to have a chance in this game but do not be surprised if the Gophers pull an upset soon. PJ Fleck has been an underdog his entire life and he embraces that role. He’s the same guy that led Western Michigan to the Cotton Bowl during the 2016-2017 season and almost upset Wisconsin at Jerry World.
https://coed.com/2018/06/28/paul-bunyan-day-celebrating-paul-bunyan-in-college-football/
Go Gophers!!
